Prison chaplain to be a Vice Dean

Mrs Graysmith is the chaplain at Guernsey Prison, and will continue in that role.

She was ordained as a deacon in 1989, and was one of the first women to be ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1994.

She served in parishes in Leicestershire and Staffordshire, before becoming a hospice and hospital chaplain in Staffordshire.

She was appointed a chaplain to the prison when she moved to the island in 2017.

Mrs Graysmith will serve alongside the Rev. John Moore, who continues as a Vice Dean.

The Dean, the Very Rev. Tim Barker, said: ‘I am delighted that Penny has accepted my invitation to serve as a Vice Dean.

‘She brings to the role a wide experience of ministry as well as gifts and skills that will benefit the Deanery of Guernsey as we prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the coming months.

‘In welcoming Penny, I also express my best thanks to Jon Honour, who was appointed as a Vice Dean in 2017, and who has been a valuable colleague in the role.’

Mrs Graysmith said: ‘I am pleased to accept the Dean’s invitation to be Vice Dean.

‘I hope that insights and experience gained in my chaplaincy work will complement the perspectives of clergy colleagues and people in the parishes, as we all work together to serve the church and community in these beautiful islands.’